Kagin (Edwin) Papers

Edwin Kagin was born in Baden, Germany, on February 16, 1879. He immigrated to the United States in 1880, and his family settled in Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1883. He attended local public schools and graduated from high school in 1896. Kagin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Centre College in 1904 and attended Louisville Presbyterian Seminary from 1904 to 1907.

Following his theological training, Kagin served as a Christian missionary in Korea for fourteen years, where he worked as a co-pastor in several churches. Upon returning to the United States, he earned a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1922 and a master’s degree from Princeton University in 1923. He later received a Doctor of Religious Education degree from Boston University in 1940. In 1937 Centre College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Kagin joined the faculty of Macalester College in 1926 as Professor of Religion and served in that position until his retirement in 1952, when he was named Professor of Religion Emeritus. Throughout his career, he remained active in the Presbyterian Church, serving as a supply preacher, moderator of church sessions, and chairman of various committees.

Kagin is perhaps best known for his writings, including James Wallace of Macalester, published in 1957.